Uldis Augulis
Uldis Augulis (born 16 March 1972, in Dobele, Latvian SSR) is a Latvian politician and a member of the Union of Greens and Farmers. He holds a bachelor's degree in financial management from the University of Latvia [1]. He was the former Welfare Minister from 12 March 2009 to 3 November 2010,[2] the Minister of Transport from 3 November 2010 to 25 October 2011 and the acting Minister of Justice from March to April 2010. Augulis was elected to the Saeima on October 2, 2011.
Uldis Augulis | |
---|---|
Minister for Transport of Latvia | |
In office 3 November 2010 – 25 October 2011 | |
Prime Minister | Valdis Dombrovskis |
Preceded by | Kaspars Gerhards |
Succeeded by | Aivis Ronis |
Personal details | |
Born | Dobele, Latvian SSR | 16 March 1972
Nationality | Latvian |
Political party | Union of Greens and Farmers |
Alma mater | University of Latvia |
Career timeline
2008 – 2009 - Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Welfare
2007 – 2008 - Parliamentary Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture
2006 – 2008 Member of Parliament (Saeima),
2000 – 2006 Chairman of Berze Rural Municipality
Since 1996 Owner of the Farm “Auguļi”,
1990 – 1996 Co-owner of the Farm “Īves”
Other positions held: 2003 – 2006 Chairman of the Council, Dobele City Bus Fleet, Ltd.
2000 – 2006 Chairman of the Board, Dobele Department of Political Party Latvian Farmer's Union
2001 – 2006 Member of the Council, Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
2003 – 2006 Member of the EU Committee of the Regions
2005 – 2006 Chairman of the Advisory Council, State Agency K.Ulmanis Memorial Museum Pikšas.[3]
Controversy
Augulis caused controversy with his prioritisation of road and rail links between Riga and Moscow while delaying regional EU projects such as Rail Baltica citing a lack of funds.[4]
Latvia has already lost EUR 12.2 million (LVL 8.54 million) of EU funds due to hesitation over the Rail Baltica project,[5] and the EU Transport Commissioner has stated there is no chance that the EU will contribute funds to the proposed Moscow link[6] despite Augulis' assertion that the EU could contribute up to 85%.[7]
The high-speed railroad project between Riga and Moscow is economically justified due to increasing passenger and cargo turnover, and it is not political, Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin said after a meeting with Augulis.[8]
References
- "Union of Greens and Farmers' ministers". Union of Greens and Farmers. Retrieved 2011-05-09.
- "The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia: Uldis Augulis". Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Latvia. Retrieved 2010-04-17.
- "Management of the ministry". Satiksmes ministrija. Retrieved 2011-05-09.
- "Transport 'guru' Augulis speaks before thinking". The Baltic Times. Apr 13, 2011. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- Alla Petrova (7 April 2011). "Latvia may have lost LVL 8.54 mln due to hesitation with Rail Baltica". The Baltic Course. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- "Kallas Reproves Latvia for Derailing Rail Baltica". Estonian Public Broadcasting. 7 April 2011. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- "Four-lane highway to be built from Riga to Moscow". Baltic Business News. 7 April 2011. Retrieved 16 April 2011.
- Alla Petrova (7 April 2011). "Russian Transport minister: high speed railroad project between Riga and Moscow is economically justified". The Baltic Course. Retrieved 9 May 2011.